LabVIEW model of the Half- Power Beam Width of the Kutunse Antenna

Abstract

A LabVIEW model to calculate the Half Power Beam Width of the Kutunse antenna was developed. The Kutunse antenna as part of the AVN under the SKA is to do VLBI, to study masers and to train Ghanaians in Astronomy. The model produced an easy-to-use approach in calculating the Half Power Beam Width over the operating frequency range of 5.0 to 6.7 GHz of the antenna. The results indicated an angular width of 0.002249091 radians at 5 GHz and 0.001679611 radians at 6.7 GHz. The sensitive angular width at 6.7 GHz suitable for studying masers is 0.001679611 radians. This model is useful in providing a quick guide to scientists, engineers, technicians and students in using the radio telescope at Kutunse, Ghana.

Keywords: Half power beam width, LabVIEW, Frequency, Kutunse, African VLBI Network (AVN)